New thermal testing of the latest third generation iPad by PCWorld has confirmed what CNET reported last week: "the issue seems to be overblown," the magazine stated.

PCWorld tests tablets' temperatures

Infrared thermometer testing by PCWorld found that the new third generation iPad can run 2-7 degrees Fahrenheit (less than 4 degrees Celsius) hotter than the previous iPad 2, but noted that its temperature readings were inline with comparable tablets, including the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime and Samsung Galaxy 10.1.

The site noted that temperatures rose during charging, but that even when continuously playing a computationally intensive game for a hour while plugged into a power adapter, the highest reading they could capture was 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius), within 2 degrees of the Galaxy tablet.

Operating under battery power, the latest iPad hit a top temperature reading of 97 degrees Fahrenheit (about 36 degrees Celsius) in the tests, a similar spread of about 6 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than iPad 2, but a degree cooler than the more similarly specced Galaxy tablet.

"Despite all of the media attention over the iPad's (and other tablets') operating temperatures, the issue seems to be overblown. None of the four tablets we tested ever get so warm that I could detect screen discoloration of the type that some users of early units of the iPhone 4 reported," the report stated.

"Asus's Transformer Prime, Apple's iPad 2, and the new iPad all have metal backs, which pull heat away from the internal components, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a plastic back," the magazine noted.

"All four tablets get warmer when their brightness is set to maximum. And all will get warmer still if they are sitting in a case or are parked on an insulating surface such as a blanket or your jeans."

CNET compares iPad to notebooks

The PCWorld tests were inline with numbers reported by CNET, which found in its tests that "the new 2012 iPad runs warmer than the iPad 2, but it's no hotter than many laptops under similar conditions," adding that "the operating temperature is no reason for CNET to change its buying recommendation (the new iPad is currently the highest rated tablet on our site, and an Editors' Choice)."

Its testing did not measure temperatures higher than 98 degrees Fahrenheit (about 36 degrees Celsius; cooler than the human body temperature) on the new iPad even when setting the screen brightness to high and continuously playing Infinity Blade for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Playing Netflix movies over WiFi the new iPad's hottest point was 85 degrees Fahrenheit (about 29 degrees Celsius).

CNET also ran compatible tests on conventional laptops, and reported that Apple's i5 MacBook Pro ran about the same temperature as the new iPad when similarly playing Netflix movies at full brightness, while a similarly configured Dell Inspiron reached a peak temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit (about 45 degrees Celsius) playing games.

"The higher temperature generated by the new iPad compared with the iPad 2 was noticeable to the touch but not uncomfortably so. The warmest point we recorded on the iPad is the Apple logo on the back. In our tests it got up to 98 degrees, but it's important to put that number into perspective. Ninety-eight degrees may sound high, but that's actually less than your normal body temperature," the site noted.

Consumer Reports iPad testing

Last week, Consumer Reports reported temperature readings on the new iPad as high at 116 degrees Fahrenheit (about 47 degrees Celsius) while charging, activating 4G LTE, and continuously playing "Infinity Blade II" for 45 minutes.

"During our tests, I held the new iPad in my hands. When it was at its hottest, it felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period," Donna L. Tapellini wrote for the magazine.

Epic's graphic intensive "Infinity Blade" series of games is not available for Android.

Following a minor media frenzy surrounding the new iPad's temperature readings, Apple's spokesperson Trudy Miller issued the statement, "the new iPad delivers a stunning Retina display, A5X chip, support for 4G LTE plus 10 hours of battery life, all while operating well within our thermal specifications."

Well, I recommend Infinity Blade gets ported to Android just for the humor of watching that trash literally combust spontaneously simply from watching the beginning trailer sequence.

What a surprise. As usual, when the truth comes out the Android Fanboys and iHaters once again were spewing their typical nonsense.

How are they going to spin this story now?

They'll accuse PC World of lying, of course.

The interesting thing is that with at least 4 published reports, NO ONE has seen temperatures over 100 degrees while CR claimed 116 degrees. Given CR's history of lying, I'm very suspicious of their results.

"I'm way over my head when it comes to technical issues like this"Gatorguy 5/31/13

I don't think there was ever an honest debate about whether the new iPad runs as hot as many laptops. It doesn't. Frankly, this whole thing is a non-issue that began simply because many of us who bought a new iPad were surprised by how much warmer it runs than our previous iPad. My new wifi iPad definitely runs warmer than my previous wifi iPad 2. But does it run hot? No, not really. Just warmer than I expected.

Well, I recommend Infinity Blade gets ported to Android just for the humor of watching that trash literally combust spontaneously simply from watching the beginning trailer sequence.

What a surprise. As usual, when the truth comes out the Android Fanboys and iHaters once again were spewing their typical nonsense.

How are they going to spin this story now?

This whole thing was incredibly stupid from the get go. But I wouldn't go cheerleading these results either. The iPad 3rd gen only comes out cooler than the Tab 10.1 in one test, in one category by 1 degree. As the joker said, let's not blow this out of proportion.

The following was posted on Daring Fireball a few days ago. It's a good analysis of slippery language devoid of critical information. In essence: they called it. I've been knew to tech over the last few years since I first got a smart phone (no jokes, please), and it has been a wonder to watch how much deliberately misleading information is placed in print. It really is very much like the tech equivalent of local religion or local football home-teams...people really do just pick one side and enjoy blasting the other side. It's amazing. I'm wondering how much is money/stock driven, and how much is just sheer away-team bashing. That intoxicating feeling of tearing down the competition...on "paper"...

I would like to know what the room ambient temp was for the tests as that makes a difference.

I used to work in a testing facility and we had to measure "temperature rise." That is the measure of the difference between ambient temp when device is not under power and the operating temp. The theory goes, that the rise "should" be consistent depending on the starting temperature. Start testing at 70 degrees and the operating temp goes to 90 degrees gives a 20 degree rise. So, if you test starting with ambient temp at 100 degrees, you should get an operating temp of 120 degrees.

So...it is relevant what the ambient temperature was for the Consumer Reports tests, end user tests, and tests referenced in this article. (results also should be consistent across all devices tested)

This whole thing was incredibly stupid from the get go. But I wouldn't go cheerleading these results either. The iPad 3rd gen only comes out cooler than the Tab 10.1 in one test, in one category by 1 degree. As the joker said, let's not blow this out of proportion.

You're missing the point entirely. No one ever claimed that the iPad 3 ran at lower temperatures than the Tab 10.1 (at least, I haven't seen any such claims).

The issue is that a bunch of attention grabbers and Apple haters were claiming that the iPad 3 was getting very hot. Showing that it's roughly the same temperature debunks that claim (although one could argue that with 4 times the resolution and LTE, it would be expected to run hotter than the Tb, so the fact that it doesn't IS an accomplishment).

"I'm way over my head when it comes to technical issues like this"Gatorguy 5/31/13

Seems to me that battery technology is the limiting factor in mobile tech, and that the display is the biggest power hog. This isn't exactly news, but the increase in temperature and thickness and weight and charging time, while not killer issues IMO, are clearly compromises. And I'm not just talking about Apple.

The following was posted on Daring Fireball a few days ago. It's a good analysis of slippery language devoid of critical information. In essence: they called it. I've been knew to tech over the last few years since I first got a smart phone (no jokes, please), and it has been a wonder to watch how much deliberately misleading information is placed in print. It really is very much like the tech equivalent of local religion or local football home-teams...people really do just pick one side and enjoy blasting the other side. It's amazing. I'm wondering how much is money/stock driven, and how much is just sheer away-team bashing. That intoxicating feeling of tearing down the competition...on "paper"...

I would like to know what the room ambient temp was for the tests as that makes a difference.

I used to work in a testing facility and we had to measure "temperature rise." That is the measure of the difference between ambient temp when device is not under power and the operating temp. The theory goes, that the rise "should" be consistent depending on the starting temperature. Start testing at 70 degrees and the operating temp goes to 90 degrees gives a 20 degree rise. So, if you test starting with ambient temp at 100 degrees, you should get an operating temp of 120 degrees.

So...it is relevant what the ambient temperature was for the Consumer Reports tests, end user tests, and tests referenced in this article. (results also should be consistent across all devices tested)

Tom

CR specified ambient as 72˚F. PC World stated ambient was "comfortable and controlled". Both used IR thermometers. I doubt either was calibrated for emissivity.

He understates the case for CR simply looking for attention. I've seen at least 4 other reports of iPad temperatures and NONE of them have gotten over 100 degrees - much less 116 degrees.

CR's report is highly suspect.

The irony is that I've been approached by non-iPad/non-Apple owners who have asked me if my iPad gets too hot because they've heard this on the blogosphere. Consumer Reports' goal of smearing Apple has succeeded; it hardly matters that other sites could not replicate their results. Mike Daisey would be proud.

The irony is that I've been approached by non-iPad/non-Apple owners who have asked me if my iPad gets too hot because they've heard this on the blogosphere. Consumer Reports' goal of smearing Apple has succeeded; it hardly matters that other sites could not replicate their results. Mike Daisey would be proud.

The irony is that I've been approached by non-iPad/non-Apple owners who have asked me if my iPad gets too hot because they've heard this on the blogosphere. Consumer Reports' goal of smearing Apple has succeeded; it hardly matters that other sites could not replicate their results. Mike Daisey would be proud.

You're absolutely right. In flipping through TV channels this weekend, G4 (don't really watch) happened to have whatever tech news blip they do and were talking about both the 'weak Wifi issue' and the 'noticeable thermal issues'. Sensationalist media indeed.

He understates the case for CR simply looking for attention. I've seen at least 4 other reports of iPad temperatures and NONE of them have gotten over 100 degrees - much less 116 degrees.

CR's report is highly suspect.

Agreed. My only point was was simply that the language used by critics in this case is intentionally dishonest and suspect. Whatever his thoughts about CR, they are at Least as suspect as being merely sensationalist, and unfortunately, possibly a whole lot more. It's amazing to me that I can play with a product for less than an hour, talk to a few friends who have one, and get better information than a "professional report." What schlock.

The interesting thing is that with at least 4 published reports, NO ONE has seen temperatures over 100 degrees while CR claimed 116 degrees. Given CR's history of lying, I'm very suspicious of their results.

Even 116 degrees is only 18 degrees over the human body's temperature. You drink hot coffee way hotter then this and the air coming out of your heater vents is way hotter. I could brand cattle with the heat from my 2006 MBP and it's never failed me in 6 years. The issue is a non-issue.

"That (the) world is moving so quickly that iOS is already amongst the older mobile operating systems in active development today." — The Verge

Your absolutely right. In flipping through TV channels this weekend and G4 (don't really watch) but happened to have whatever tech news blip they do and were talking about both the 'weak Wifi issue' and the 'noticeable thermal issues'. Sensationalist media indeed.

They're all in it for the clicks. Sensationalism sells. Calm, cool logic loses.

Most of those are made of plastic though, I wonder if you just subjectively feel it more from the metal? Just like how plastic laptops may run as hot as the MBP or hotter, but against bare skin the aluminium will feel hotter since it absorbs and dissipates heat better.

I have a 4s and a ipad3. Now I haven't really stressed the iPad yet, but I know the iPhone has been WAY hotter... Marginally uncomfortable temp. I'm guessing it is at about 120-130 F, I'll have to get a measurement next time I think of it. My iPad has yet to register even noticeable warmth...

Since it looks like playing a game on the new iPad will not cause you to catch on fire or get burned, it would be nice to know how much battery power remains after playing a game on those systems for one hour? Could you play the same game for two hours on any of those tablets only on battery power?

I have my suspicions on what the results would be, but some test results would be nice to have.

Okay perhaps 1 degree F is not statistically significant in their test - but how do you run a headline that the iPad 3 is no hotter than other similar devices when the chart supporting the claim shows that the iPad 3 is in fact hotter than every other device tested under every single parameter reported?

Again - a claim of no hotter than - is not at unreasonable in my opinion - when you are talking about a range of temperatures - nearly all of which can be measured on nearly all devices - and the deviation is on the order of 1% or so - and I suppose that a headline more like - the iPad 3 is only marginally hotter than all other devices tested and well within the range of consumer electronic devices - including products such as notebooks that are designed to be used while in physical contact with the human body (asbestos clothing optional).

I would like to know what the room ambient temp was for the tests as that makes a difference.

I used to work in a testing facility and we had to measure "temperature rise." That is the measure of the difference between ambient temp when device is not under power and the operating temp. The theory goes, that the rise "should" be consistent depending on the starting temperature. Start testing at 70 degrees and the operating temp goes to 90 degrees gives a 20 degree rise. So, if you test starting with ambient temp at 100 degrees, you should get an operating temp of 120 degrees.

So...it is relevant what the ambient temperature was for the Consumer Reports tests, end user tests, and tests referenced in this article. (results also should be consistent across all devices tested)

Tom

Temperature is a non-linear scale. The amount of heat (in calories/joules) given off would be the same but is unlikely to result in a 20 degree increase in both examples given. That is why ambient temperature is relevant.

This to me screams spin. What is "especially" uncomfortable as opposed to uncomfortable. Sitting on rubbish chair is uncomfortable (you want to sit elsewhere), sitting on a rubbish chair on top of a small pin is especially uncomfortable.

And what does if held for a brief period mean? How brief? Half an hour? 20 minutes? 10 minutes? How are you supposed to hold it for a brief period when playing a game say?

Apple should have opted for a manufacturer that could produce a die shrink too since they were expecting the intense requirements of the screen.

This coupled with the crippling storage maxing out at 64gb despite the ever increasing uses of the ipad and retina increasing the demands for storage makes it a typically very technologically advanced apple gen 1. product with very serious compromises.

They should have at least been fair with the storage issue and not offered 16 and 32gb models (well 32gb could have been the entry one) which are crippling the device in order to incite people to buy at the extra high margins of the 64gb models. Top end 128gb should have been standard.

Except it does in 11/12 cases and by 12-14 degrees after an hour of playing. Good spin though.

Under MOST of the tests, the iPad 2 is within a couple of degrees of the Tab - which is probably within the error margin.

It's certainly close enough that the "the iPad 3 is HOOTTTTTT!!!" people are obviously wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilgto64

Okay perhaps 1 degree F is not statistically significant in their test - but how do you run a headline that the iPad 3 is no hotter than other similar devices when the chart supporting the claim shows that the iPad 3 is in fact hotter than every other device tested under every single parameter reported?

Again - a claim of no hotter than - is not at unreasonable in my opinion - when you are talking about a range of temperatures - nearly all of which can be measured on nearly all devices - and the deviation is on the order of 1% or so - and I suppose that a headline more like - the iPad 3 is only marginally hotter than all other devices tested and well within the range of consumer electronic devices - including products such as notebooks that are designed to be used while in physical contact with the human body (asbestos clothing optional).

The margin of error is probably more than 1%. Look at the temperature increase in moving from one column to the next - or in measuring at a different location. The margin of error is likely a couple of degrees - at least. That makes the devices comparable in most tests.

"I'm way over my head when it comes to technical issues like this"Gatorguy 5/31/13

The following was posted on Daring Fireball a few days ago. It's a good analysis of slippery language devoid of critical information. In essence: they called it. I've been knew to tech over the last few years since I first got a smart phone (no jokes, please), and it has been a wonder to watch how much deliberately misleading information is placed in print. It really is very much like the tech equivalent of local religion or local football home-teams...people really do just pick one side and enjoy blasting the other side. It's amazing. I'm wondering how much is money/stock driven, and how much is just sheer away-team bashing. That intoxicating feeling of tearing down the competition...on "paper"...

This to me screams spin. What is "especially" uncomfortable as opposed to uncomfortable. Sitting on rubbish chair is uncomfortable (you want to sit elsewhere), sitting on a rubbish chair on top of a small pin is especially uncomfortable.

And what does if held for a brief period mean? How brief? Half an hour? 20 minutes? 10 minutes? How are you supposed to hold it for a brief period when playing a game say?

Apple should have opted for a manufacturer that could produce a die shrink too since they were expecting the intense requirements of the screen.

This coupled with the crippling storage maxing out at 64gb despite the ever increasing uses of the ipad and retina increasing the demands for storage makes it a typically very technologically advanced apple gen 1. product with very serious compromises.

They should have at least been fair with the storage issue and not offered 16 and 32gb models (well 32gb could have been the entry one) which are crippling the device in order to incite people to buy at the extra high margins of the 64gb models. Top end 128gb should have been standard.

Actually in the winter time that extra heat is gonna be nice. Forget holding onto a hot cup of tea, I got my new iPad!

I have the 16GB iPad 2 and it's been awesome for me. I use an app called Files Connect, lets you access your computer docs without trying to fit your entire life on your iPad. Also, go outside & take a big breath of fresh air, you need to relax a little.